Internet @ Schools

iEARN

Format: iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) can be utilized through any device connected to the internet.

Minimum System Requirements: An internet connection is required for web access. Access is also provided through email.

Description: iEARN is a nonprofit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects worldwide.

REPORT CARD

Overall Rating:

4 Stars

Installation:

A

Content/Features:

A

Ease of Use:

A

Product Support:

A

Reviewer Comments:

Installation/Access: The user must register on the internet or through Facebook with a username and password. To register for a project, an online registration form must be completed. Once completed, this form is sent to the iEARN coordinator in the user’s country. Installation: A

Content/Features: The Collaboration Center offers more than 150 projects designed and facilitated by teachers to fit curricular classroom needs. Suggestions, comments, questions, and ideas can be posted on the site.

An annual Project Book provides descriptions at iearn.org/iearn-project-book. News Flashes are sent via email monthly to all participants. A searchable project database on the web is also provided. Sorts are available by students, alumni, teacher, or date.

A Teacher Forum for post-secondary teachers provides access for meeting and sharing initial project ideas in order to find partners. Educators can share announcements and resources, get feedback on project ideas, and look for project partners.

Youth Forum, for college-age students, provides the opportunity for students to meet others from around the world to share ideas and topics of interest through discussions related to working together on joint projects.

The iEARN General Discussion Space hosts all discussion groups that are not project-oriented, including language groups, country, and regional groups. Most are open to all, but some are closed for team planning. Content/Features Rating: A

Ease of Use: The site is easily navigated. Ease of Use Rating: A

Product Support: iEARN offers face-to-face workshops and online professional development courses for educators interested in integrating online global projects into their classrooms. Techniques offered in these workshops include peer review, team building, joining regional and international learning communities, and developing project-based curriculum that integrates national educational standards. Upon completion of the workshop, teachers return to their schools with a built-in support network that includes technical and staff development assistance from iEARN staff as well as an online community of colleagues around the world. All training materials are available online for review anytime.

iEARN Online Courses assist educators on how to integrate global online project work into their teaching.

The website provides a link for teachers on how to get started with projects and Workshop Resources.

Online support is available from the iEARN International Office at iearn@iearn.org. Product Support Rating: A

Recommendation: iEARN provides young people with an opportunity to engage with students around the world through its projects and collaborations. More than 130 countries are represented with 1 million student participants. Students learn with the world and not just about the world. I really liked the vision and purpose of this site. Every project created must meet specific curriculum needs and must answer the question, “How will this project improve the quality of life on the planet?” Through iEARN, participants become global citizens. This site is an excellent example of using social media to make a difference in the world.

One of the many projects that I found to be particularly interesting was called Hip Hop on the Spot. Participants are asked to share their voice, photos, and video clips to make a global Hip Hop production. iEARN projects would definitely interest our young people while providing them with a better understanding of youth around the world. Highly Recommended

Reviewer: Sally Finley is an educational consultant based in Coral Springs, Fla. Her email address is sallyfinley1@yahoo.com.